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“Who do you say
that I am?”

There are some people or some things in our lives that are so foundational to us, we call them our “rock.” Perhaps a certain relative or close friend has been a rock in your life. Maybe a congregation like Sunnybrook has been a foundational community for you through those transitional times in your life.

When I look back on my spiritual journey through life, I see that there has been a constancy about God’s presence, even through times when I felt distant and disconnected. Here’s a challenge for you. You may find it an interesting exercise to map out a timeline of your physical and spiritual journey. Simply draw a horizontal line across the middle of a piece of paper and mark off increments of 10 until you have reached your current age. Below the line write words or phrases about where you were or a significant event at each stop along the way. Above the line, think about your awareness of God’s presence
in your life. Was it close or distant? How did your understanding of that presence change and grow over the years? Perhaps there were significant people in your life at certain times that you would like to make note of on your timeline. Then stand back and notice how your life journey has progressed and perhaps some common themes that are woven through your story.

In our gospel story this week, Jesus asks Simon, “Who do you say that I am?” Simon responds with the statement, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” He gets it! He recognizes God’s presence in Jesus. Simon becomes Peter the rock, and his confession becomes the foundation upon which the church is built. Like a rock, like a rock, God is under our feet! (Keri Wehlander: 1988, MV 92)

How does the rock, God’s sacred presence, show up in your life? Take a moment in gratitude for the people and places that reflect that presence and offer a foundation of love and support for the journey.
Peace and joy,
Nancy